The dynamics of modern realignments: examining the role of campaign messages in the realignment process

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation studies the dynamics of partisan realignments by tracing the realignments of Evangelical and military officers. The first goal of this study is to understand the realignment process and the second goal of this study is to analyze the role of campaign messages in the realignment process. The findings show that one overriding issue drove both realignments. Abortion was the most important variable among Evangelicals and communism was the most important variable for military officers. Furthermore, changes in campaign content are associated with issue attitudes and partisanship in both realignments.